Traction Control.. 2006/07 models

DeadPhish · 12-18-2006, 12:13 AM

One of the complaints lodged at the 04/05's was that the Traction control intervened too quickly in slippery conditions or deep snow to 'kill' the ability to move.

I was told, but have not seen it in print, that beginning with the '06 models Toyota adjusted the Trac to allow for some slippage / wheel spin to allow the vehicle to move forward or backward in slippery conditions. After one winter in the '06's can anyone confirm or deny this?

Cancel above post...LOL. I just saw Tideland Prius started the same thread a few weeks ago.

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**Tideland Prius** · 12-18-2006, 01:48 AM

haha.

Yeah, I think they did do something with the programming as Frank suspected.

ttabbal · 12-18-2006, 12:43 PM

We just got a decent storm in Utah this weekend. I have an 06 and saw that nice blinking trac light a few times. Each time the wheels did slip a little, but it wasn't a total cut-off of power, it acted more like it was pulsing power to the wheels. Almost like ABS in reverse. Even on ice the Prius was able to get going without much trouble.

It should be noted that I have X-Ice tires on there right now, and those do help with traction. It's better not to lose it than to use tricks in the engine to get it back.

Shane · 12-18-2006, 01:44 PM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(ttabbal @ Dec 18 2006, 10:43 AM) [snapback]363814[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

We just got a decent storm in Utah this weekend. I have an 06 and saw that nice blinking trac light a few times. Each time the wheels did slip a little, but it wasn't a total cut-off of power, it acted more like it was pulsing power to the wheels. Almost like ABS in reverse. Even on ice the Prius was able to get going without much trouble.

It should be noted that I have X-Ice tires on there right now, and those do help with traction. It's better not to lose it than to use tricks in the engine to get it back.

[/b]

I also live in SLC and drove around in the storm ttabbal mentioned. My 06 acted the same. I can say that I do love the TCS. When coming to a stop on ice, the Prius stays going straight forward rather than sliding off the road. It also helps me stop rather than keep sliding through the intersection.

I don't think I could ever have another car without TCS.

Pinto Girl · 12-21-2006, 05:36 PM

Well, if my '06 has the "modified" traction control, I can only imagine how terribly and additionally intrusive the "original" version must be!

I really wish the car had a slip-limiting differential and a rev-limiter instead. I dislike the traction control immensely, but don't drive in snow so can't call upon that experience.

It totally sucks when the car suddenly backs off the power; unless it also has eyes that can tell it if I'm about to be T-boned or not, I'd just assume that it kept its opinions to itself and allow me to drive the car.

I'm a big girl. I bought it, and I'll fix it if I break it, thank you very much!

jburns · 12-22-2006, 12:35 PM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Pinto Girl @ Dec 21 2006, 05:36 PM) [snapback]365405[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

Well, if my '06 has the "modified" traction control, I can only imagine how terribly and additionally intrusive the "original" version must be!

I really wish the car had a slip-limiting differential and a rev-limiter instead. I dislike the traction control immensely, but don't drive in snow so can't call upon that experience.

It totally sucks when the car suddenly backs off the power; unless it also has eyes that can tell it if I'm about to be T-boned or not, I'd just assume that it kept its opinions to itself and allow me to drive the car.

I'm a big girl. I bought it, and I'll fix it if I break it, thank you very much!
[/b]

My opinion exactly.

**Tideland Prius** · 12-22-2006, 02:50 PM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Pinto Girl @ Dec 21 2006, 02:36 PM) [snapback]365405[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

Well, if my '06 has the "modified" traction control, I can only imagine how terribly and additionally intrusive the "original" version must be!

[/b]

You don't want to know.

Frank Hudon · 12-23-2006, 01:32 AM

first time it happened to me when driving the 2k4 I honesty thought something in the drive train broke. I've never had a vehicle that dropped that dead without something breaking. Still don't like the way the computer cuts the MG2 output. I'd loved to have seen my eyes when it happened.

jayman · 12-23-2006, 11:54 AM

From what you folks have described, maybe I should take a giant hit and trade for an 07. My 04 - especially with "all season" tires - was helpless on ice. Especially if one side was on ice and the other side was on bare pavement

With my new studded Goodyear Nordic tires, I no longer have any problems with traction in winter. However on warm dry pavement the tires moan/howl loud enough to drive you crazy.

REHochEIS · 12-23-2006, 01:22 PM

Hi All,

Having just traded in my 2000 Ford Explorer (4wd) for a 2007 Prius (with Traction Control) I was more than a little concerned when a recent blizzard hit on December 20th. I have to say I was more than pleasantly surprized. My traction, both accelerating and braking, were excellent. It took the city three days to plow out my street (over 2 feet of snow in 24 hours), but I was able to get in and out by following the tracks made by some 4wd trucks. It is a strange feeling when the traction light comes on -- you can't 'spin' the tires by hitting the gas -- but I never lost traction. In many ways it handled better in the snow than my Explorer did.

12-18-2006, 12:13 AM	#1
DeadPhish Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Outer Banks of NC.. Work in SE Virginia Posts: 1,606 My Car: 2005 Prius Model: Package: #4 Thanks: 68 Thanked 215 Times in 139 Posts Friends: 3	One of the complaints lodged at the 04/05's was that the Traction control intervened too quickly in slippery conditions or deep snow to 'kill' the ability to move. I was told, but have not seen it in print, that beginning with the '06 models Toyota adjusted the Trac to allow for some slippage / wheel spin to allow the vehicle to move forward or backward in slippery conditions. After one winter in the '06's can anyone confirm or deny this? Cancel above post...LOL. I just saw Tideland Prius started the same thread a few weeks ago. Rule # 1 : Read Everything before doing anything . . . . . . Last page of test. Do nothing. Sign name and turn in test. __________________ 2005 Prius II Seaside AM PokerPrius 2.1 GPC @ 140,000 miles & counting Bob Fogarty Sr. Hybrid Specialist

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12-18-2006, 01:48 AM	#2
Tideland Prius Moderator of the North Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Canada Posts: 21,187 My Car: 2010 Prius Model: N/A Package: Technology Package (Canada) Thanks: 369 Thanked 526 Times in 353 Posts Friends: 26	haha. Yeah, I think they did do something with the programming as Frank suspected.

12-18-2006, 12:43 PM	#3
ttabbal Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 87 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	We just got a decent storm in Utah this weekend. I have an 06 and saw that nice blinking trac light a few times. Each time the wheels did slip a little, but it wasn't a total cut-off of power, it acted more like it was pulsing power to the wheels. Almost like ABS in reverse. Even on ice the Prius was able to get going without much trouble. It should be noted that I have X-Ice tires on there right now, and those do help with traction. It's better not to lose it than to use tricks in the engine to get it back.

12-21-2006, 05:36 PM	#5
Pinto Girl Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: San Francisco, CA Posts: 2,372 My Car: 2006 Prius Model: Package: #9 Thanks: 0 Thanked 6 Times in 5 Posts Friends: 0	Well, if my '06 has the "modified" traction control, I can only imagine how terribly and additionally intrusive the "original" version must be! I really wish the car had a slip-limiting differential and a rev-limiter instead. I dislike the traction control immensely, but don't drive in snow so can't call upon that experience. It totally sucks when the car suddenly backs off the power; unless it also has eyes that can tell it if I'm about to be T-boned or not, I'd just assume that it kept its opinions to itself and allow me to drive the car. I'm a big girl. I bought it, and I'll fix it if I break it, thank you very much!

12-23-2006, 01:32 AM	#8
Frank Hudon Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 4,144 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post Friends: 0	first time it happened to me when driving the 2k4 I honesty thought something in the drive train broke. I've never had a vehicle that dropped that dead without something breaking. Still don't like the way the computer cuts the MG2 output. I'd loved to have seen my eyes when it happened.

12-23-2006, 11:54 AM	#9
jayman Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Winnipeg Manitoba Posts: 12,196 My Car: 2004 Prius Model: Package: B Thanks: 89 Thanked 276 Times in 242 Posts Friends: 14	From what you folks have described, maybe I should take a giant hit and trade for an 07. My 04 - especially with "all season" tires - was helpless on ice. Especially if one side was on ice and the other side was on bare pavement With my new studded Goodyear Nordic tires, I no longer have any problems with traction in winter. However on warm dry pavement the tires moan/howl loud enough to drive you crazy.

12-23-2006, 01:22 PM	#10
REHochEIS Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 4 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	Hi All, Having just traded in my 2000 Ford Explorer (4wd) for a 2007 Prius (with Traction Control) I was more than a little concerned when a recent blizzard hit on December 20th. I have to say I was more than pleasantly surprized. My traction, both accelerating and braking, were excellent. It took the city three days to plow out my street (over 2 feet of snow in 24 hours), but I was able to get in and out by following the tracks made by some 4wd trucks. It is a strange feeling when the traction light comes on -- you can't 'spin' the tires by hitting the gas -- but I never lost traction. In many ways it handled better in the snow than my Explorer did.